In July, the California Coastal Commission (Commission) released a draft of its Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Application Guidance for aquaculture and marine restoration. This guidance is in response to Senate Bill 262, passed into law in October 2019. This bill added a new section to the Public Resources Code requiring the Commission to develop guidance for CDP applicants to help explain the process and enhance efficiency where possible. There are no changes to the existing regulations being proposed by this guidance. CDPs are required for all aquaculture operations in state waters, including for operations in Tomales Bay.

EAC provided comments on the Commission’s pre-draft outline in April 2020 and organized a group of partners to submit joint comments in general support of the Draft CDP guidance last month. Specifically, we emphasized the Commission’s authority to regulate aquaculture development, and the importance of the environmental review and compliance process. We also provided a suggestion regarding improved coordination, and presented our concerns with unsustainable aquaculture development. The final document is expected by the end of the year.

EAC remains committed to consistent state aquaculture regulation. In California, Tomales Bay, Morro Bay, and Humboldt Bay support the majority of the state’s historic and current aquaculture practices, primarily oysters. EAC will continue to monitor local aquaculture and ensure that policy and regulation reflect conservation and environmental protection of West Marin’s unique waters and marine resources.

Learn More:

Read our Joint Comments
Read the Draft CDP Application Guidance
EAC’s Healthy West Marin Watershed campaign